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Republican leaders celebrated Dunleavy's actions in recent days, including state president Glenn Clary, who said last week that the governor understood that the state must live within its means.
"Alaska's economic future is in good hands with our governor and staff," said Clary.
As the Legislative Assembly begins its special session on Monday, university leaders plan to hold a protest outside the capital in Juneau.
Edgmon said he was witnessing growing public pressure for lawmakers to reinstate university funds and avoid cuts that could reshape the institution. He favored abandoning the right of veto, but said it was unclear if that would be possible.
"We are close, but we have a handful of votes," said Edgmon.
Anticipating the need to implement the budget cuts, the university system has already sent leave notifications to its employees, which would require employees to take 10 days of leave without pay. Johnsen also announced restrictions on hiring, travel and supply.
University leaders plan to set financial requirements later this month, which would allow them to accelerate the process of eliminating programs and laying off employees, including full professors. According to Mr. Johnsen, one of the challenges is that the university system can not leave students unfinished and must provide them with a way to complete their studies.
Williams said that if the university system were to undergo change, the extreme nature of the cuts would be detrimental. She expressed concern that the turmoil would lead to an exodus of key faculty members and state staff – and potentially to an exodus of prospective students.
"Obviously, this governor does not value education," said Scott Downing, chair of faculty council at Anchorage University Campus. "The range and size of these cuts is unacceptable."
In the meantime, university leaders and advocates lobbied lawmakers by phone, email and in person. On Monday, they plan to gather in Juneau in the capital and launch a final effort to obtain a derogation from the veto.
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